Thursday, November 28, 2019
Corporations should participate in Elections
Introduction In every democratic state like the United States, citizens have a right to participate in the election process. Americans have the right to participate in the national elections campaigns whereby every individual can independently support a particular political party.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Corporations should participate in Elections specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In addition, the right to support a particular political party is extended to corporations, and thus private corporations have the freedom to help any aspiring politician in the campaigns. This ideology underscores the so-called the American democracy and it should not be interfered with by denying corporations the same right that individuals enjoy. However, there are limits within which such rights should be allowed and the violation of the same could cause public anarchy. Corporations should participate in election campaigns. The Nature of American Democracy Democracy is the basic need for citizens in every capitalist nation. Interestingly, democracy has its roots in the United States as the founding fathers came up with the ideology dubbed the ââ¬Å"American Dreamâ⬠in which they longed for the day when their descendants will enjoy democratic rights of questioning and correcting the government in the way that suited the citizenry. Americans have been enjoying democratic rights ever since the end of extreme racial segregations when the majority supported the idea of equal rights for all people. However, the election of President Barrack Obama as the first African-American president culminated the ideology of the ââ¬Å"American Dreamâ⬠of the founding fathers as well as the dream of the legendary civil rights activist, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.Advertising Looking for essay on government? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Hence, it would b e plausible to say that Americans have democratic rights that other citizens across the world are yet to enjoy. American citizens have the power to question government deeds through their representatives at the Congress and Senate, in addition to suing other means such as the media and public opinion forums. The individualââ¬â¢s right to support a particular political party is facilitated by the freewill to make decisions based on ideas that a party presents to the voters, but rather not the ethnic or corporate basis. This aspect implies that American campaigns are not meant to persuade voters through ethnic divisions or corporate basis, but rather through the validity of a partyââ¬â¢s manifesto. In addition, a corporation cannot influence stakeholders to support a particular political party just because the people at the top support the party, but rather it allows an individualââ¬â¢s freedom to choose the party to support. Corporate Participation in the National Elections in the United States Over the past few decades, corporations across the United States have been on the frontlines during election campaigns whereby they support particular candidates or political party. Critics argue that permitting corporation to participate in the national election campaigns is a big blow to the American democracy.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Corporations should participate in Elections specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Youn (123) argues that corporations would interfere with an individualââ¬â¢s right to support a particular political party or aspiring politician at will, but looking into the argument at a different angle, the United States is too democratic to panic for such an issue as there are limits to which the corporations should not go beyond in their election campaignsââ¬â¢ participation. In the contemporary world, Henderson (127) argues that election campaigns have become th e most expensive venture that an individual can indulge into; hence, aspiring politicians seek the financial support of the wealthy individuals in the society to finance their election campaigns. In return, politicians offer hefty promises, to the ââ¬Å"political investorsâ⬠in an effort to woo them, and the promises are supposed to be honored only when the beneficiaries are elected into office. The political arena is evolving rapidly and these political gambling games have nowadays shifted from wealthy individuals to the corporations in a bid to fit in the dynamic political environment. The aspiring politicians seek the corporationsââ¬â¢ financing by promising them good business deals and environments once they ascend to power. Youn (125) also argues that corporations have significant influence over the stakeholders and especially the employees and thus, they might pervert the principles of democracy by forcing employees to support certain politicians or political parties. This scenario can play out, but due to the financial demands that election campaigns have, it would be necessary to allow corporate participation, but bar them from interfering with the individualsââ¬â¢ rights.Advertising Looking for essay on government? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More On the other side, allowing corporations to participate in election campaigns comes with adverse economic effects, but little can be done to avert such repercussions. Private corporations have rights, which are nearly akin to the human rights, in the sense that if the owner of such a corporation chooses to support a particular politician and influences the entire set up to support the same politician, the corporation cannot be said to have violated the international business law as such is a matter of moral judgment. However, a corporation may spend vast amounts of money on supporting a politician, hence causing inflation as well as huge losses, which then lower the government revenue. However, such effects manifest during the post-election triumph period. On the other hand, public opinion is the real basis of enhancing the American democracy. According to these authors, Americans lack is enough political knowledge to shape the political environment into a democracy that they desire . In addition, note that Americans do not generally make decisions based on achievable ideologies presented by either the individual politicians or the political parties. On the contrary, they make decisions based on the game of liberalism and democracy. Under such situations, it is thus hard for Americans to make ideologically choices, which transforms the general election campaigns into a level of public campaigns because only a few are concerned with ideological decision-making. However, these arguments do not touch on the financing habits where corporations are forced to indulge in election campaigns. On the contrary, these authors emphasize on the idea of the majority of Americans not bothering to make decisions on an ideological basis, thus putting corporations at a critical situation whereby they can influence stakeholdersââ¬â¢ decision-making courtesy of the mass campaign effect. Political analysts have anonymously supported this argument by noting that Americans are inco nsistent when it comes to matters of making political decisions, and hence, they are very vulnerable to influences from powerful politicians as well as corporations. It would be prudent to understand that political culture is dynamic and it has now turned out that corporations have a right to participate in the election campaigns. However, the manner in which election campaigns are handled also plays a crucial role in attracting corporationsââ¬â¢ participation as influential business personnel is often at the forefront of political campaigns as aspiring politicians. To such individuals, their corporations cannot fail to rally behind them. Just like in the nature of business environments where gaining a competitive advantage is the only way to survive, rival corporations are forced to support aspiring politicians in an effort to ease the pressure posed by business persons in the forefronts of the campaigns. Hence, election campaigns have adopted business strategies, thus accommoda ting corporations; however, it appears like a difficult task for any government or political, regulatory measures to bar corporations from participating in election campaigns. Such great penetration of corporations is a democratic exercise that everybody enjoys, as corporations would want to have a government that they desire by supporting the aspiring candidates that they feel would be the best in addressing their needs. Hence, it would be wrong to argue that allowing corporationsââ¬â¢ participation in election campaigns is a blow to the nationââ¬â¢s democracy for corporations run under the watch of individuals who enjoy democratic rights as well. More also, looking into Younââ¬â¢s perspective, she argues that the voice of the Americans will be jeopardized by the corporationsââ¬â¢ ability to flood money in the election campaigns. Also, she argues that the Supreme Court of United States ruling on January 21, 2010, where it permitted the corporate participation in the fed eral election campaigns opened doors for special interests in the politics of the United States (Youn 122). On the contrary, Henderson (127), through his article, ââ¬Å"Permitting Corporations to Participate in Election Campaigns: Constitutionally Appropriateâ⬠, argues that the decision by the Supreme Court was in tandem with the American constitution. However, looking critically into Youn and Hendersonââ¬â¢s arguments, the consequences of the decision to the American politics seem to be two-folded. First, corporations may cause money flooding into the country, which may take away the voices of the American people by influencing the majority whose economic status put them in a vulnerable position. In addition, it may scare away the aspiring politicians who could bring the changes that the United States needs because they do not have much money to finance their campaigns. Either of these possible consequences may jeopardize the ââ¬Å"American Dreamâ⬠. Secondly, corpora tions too are vulnerable to the nature of the American politics, and thus they have the right to participate in the election campaigns where they support the candidates that they need to get into power. The mostà crucial objective of the election campaign is to get the right leadership, where aspiring leaders present their manifestos to the voters. Hence, voters then support the aspiring leaders who bear the manifestos that favor their needs. Therefore, the decision by the Supreme Court to permit the corporationsââ¬â¢ participation in the election campaigns was a wise decision because corporations need the type of leadership that allows for their investment exercise (Henderson 129). Conclusion The argument that public opinion is aà powerful element for shaping the American politics is a weak argument to be used in support of barring the participation of corporations in the election campaigns, on the pretext that such involvement would influence public opinions. In addition, i t is true that public opinion is generally inconsistent, but such consistency has not been experienced anywhere across the world and the United States should not be an exemption. Hence, corporations should be allowed to participate in election campaigns by offering financial sponsorship to candidates, as election campaigns are expensive ventures. In addition, businesspersons are now pursuing politics, and thus, they need support of their corporate enterprises. Works Cited Henderson, Todd. ââ¬Å"Permitting corporations to participate in election campaigns: Constitutionally appropriate.â⬠You Decide! 2012: Current Debates in American Politics. Ed. John Rourke. New York: Pearson Education, 2012. 127-132. Print. Youn, Marcia. ââ¬Å"Permitting corporations to participate in election campaigns: A Blow to Democracy.â⬠You Decide! 2012: Current Debates in American Politics. Ed. John Rourke. New York: Pearson Education, 2012. 122-126. Print. 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Sunday, November 24, 2019
Understanding and Coping with Change Essays
Understanding and Coping with Change Essays Understanding and Coping with Change Essay Understanding and Coping with Change Essay Change is an evolutional event that causes a transformation or modification, which occurs when something passes from one phase to the other. Change in inevitable, why are we resistant to it? Surely, we are all aware that as we are born, we will develop; as we develop, we will progress, as we evolve, as we evolve we will expire. Change is everywhere, why do we resist it and why does change disrupt our behavior? Change is a good thing: it prevents stagnation; it prompts improvement, and it links directly to the ongoing success of organizations Forsyth, Patrick. Creating Success, Volume 44: Managing Change. London, KGB: Kananga Page, 2012. Protest Barry. Web. 15 September 2014. According to (Cotter Schlesinger, 1979) employees may resist change for several reasons such as self-interest, lack of understanding, lack of trust in management deferring assessments of the need for change, and a general low tolerance for change (Aback, 2012 Sec. 10. 4 Para. 2). The only thing that is consistent about change is change. Change affects individuals in different ways; some may welcome it while others may struggle with it. Change is a step process of growth that we all must treasure and respect as it will surely happen. Change can be positive for an organization, and one must confront it as it provides us the ability to create value-added services for the organization and the public. Individuals who struggle with change may be more concerned with themselves. Although, change is inevitable for growth in a business organization, change is also inevitable also in individuals for personal growth and development. Change should be consider as normal part of life and living. Many have not learned to embrace change, some may become complacent with their level of growth, and the effect caused them to be stagnant in life. Some individuals may fear change will cause unwarranted stress, and they want to shield themselves from it. However, we must learn to prepare for change at any time, and we must learn to manage change instead of allowing change to manage us. The basis of managing change is accepting the reality that change is unavoidable and sometimes unpredictable, and regardless of the nature, it will occur. Managing change required that we must first acknowledge it, as we look around us, we can see changes happening. Whether is minor and considered unimportant or large and challenging. Observing the signs of change allows us to better prepare ourselves to deal with them. By acknowledging the possibility of change, we are creating a mental perception of caution. This perception allows us to create a coping process or system to effectively shield ourselves from harm of disappointment. By understanding change we are able to cope with the situation thereby, avoiding an over saturation of emotions. Coping with change may also require that you look at the situation from the outside in and decide worst-case scenario. Deciding the worst-case scenario can assist in the development and planning process that will allow you to empower yourself to authorize the hanged. Accept the fact that change will happen whether or not we are ready for it. If change knocks you down you must proudly pick yourself up and start again. Change can be appalling to some individuals because it is now viewed an opportunity as it should be. Change forces us to re-examine our lives. It is similar to establishing a new link to growth and development. It reinforces our lifes routine and assists us in avoiding complacency. We should expect new outlines and designs throughout our life cycle and treasure the memories of the past but welcome the knowledge of the future. My organization has undergone many changes over the last several years, including relocation the corporate office to implementing a new computer system. Prior to implementing a new system, our leaders initiated a meeting announcing the company will be undergoing many changed over the next several months, as our divisional office will become the new home of the Business Service Center (BBS). The BBS will combine several divisions of our organizations, including South, Mid, and NW territories. Our leaders further detailed that we will be implementing a new computer program called SAP, which was capable of handling all transactions and porting that our company will need in order to operate. During the course of several months, we were provided information about the process and the next steps as well as the period that changes would occur. As this information became available, changes were being implemented, the process was happening quickly. First, we moved too new building capable of holding a large group of people. Then communications were published about implementing a new computer system. The system is an ERP (Enterprise, Resource, and Planning) business management system capable of integrating several applications that organizations use to collect, store, engage and interpret data computer system known as SAP (System Applications and Processes). SAP is a massive program and can cover various departments, including manufacturing, purchasing, sales, accounting. Just the sheer thought of this new system frightened my coworker Laura. Laura 59 years old and close to retiring, she worked in cash application department. As part of the change, our organization was communication about migrated from an old dos based program known as Computers Unlimited (CUE) to a new innovative program called SAP, which is windows based program. Laura feared the process of learning a new system at her age; she was a Eng-time employee and was used to the old dos based program Computers Unlimited (CUE). Laura believed this program would alienate her from the new younger employees because the technology was foreign to her. CUE was the only system she has worked on her entire life. She feared she would not navigate through the new system processes with ease. Every part of the system was alien and accelerated. Laura dreaded learning a new system to the point making herself ill. Although, she was not ready to retire, she contemplated it, as she feared being laid- off or fired. Although, the new computer system was idea for our organization, and it loud enable easy access to information sharing that flows between our leaders and shareholders it had a negative element for Laura. Laura was in a sense selfish; she serves as a great example of an employee who was not embracing change. Laura sought stability in her last few years before retiring, she was not ready for to embrace the change. Although, change is necessary for growth in a business organization change must also occur in individuals who are part of the organization. However, individuals such as Laura sometimes become complacent with their level of growth and are resistant to change. Laura believed was older and feared she would to be able to navigate through the new processes of SAP and her Job nor did she feel the desire to learn something new. Laura was having difficulties coping with change. The first step in coping with change is to become educated on it and communication about it, and remember we are going to be trained. During our many discussions regarding SAP, I informed Laura the system massive, but it is very easy to navigate as I have worked on it in the past is very similar to Microsoft Excel and windows. Laura and I met on break and often communicated about relocating the office to the new system we were to be put in place, and she must get comfortable tit the idea that she was must learn how to work. She became calm and did not fight the change. Our progressive conversations appeared to have given her confidence that she would be able to handle it. In a sense, this method a sense of urgency as described by Cotter in his eight-step plan regarding change. I was able to assist Laura in seeing the need for the change. Over the next several months, our leaders chose several people that trained offset in order to gain the knowledge required in order to train employees. This followed the second step Cotters plan of forming a power coalition to lead the change. Once it was time for the training, our leader was ready to provide the knowledge we required in order to navigate the system. Once the training was complete, we were required to take a series of test to evaluate and certify the training. Laura performed wonderfully; she ultimately saw importance to embrace the change despite her initial fears and challenges. Although, Laura was resistant to change she ultimately saw that change was going to happen whether she was part of the organizational process of not. Laura was able to acknowledge, accept and cope with change by embracing it through the immunization, and the raining provided by the company.
Thursday, November 21, 2019
Environmental Science Lab Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
Environmental Science Lab - Assignment Example This is because of production of commercial livestock, and processing of the same, which consumes so many resources and emits carbon. Secondly, the choice of natural foods, which are grown organically influences the environment positively, and is a good reflection on my health. This is because organic farming practices are designed to reduce pollution from chemicals like herbicides and pesticides, and ensure soil and water preservation. Eating habits, at times ignored may have grave results on the environment. Due to my busy schedule that demands that I spend a lot of time outside home, I balance between eating out and eating from home. However, I find that I mostly eat out during the weekdays when I have to be in town. During the evenings and weekends, I prefer eating at home.à King Corn Movie was a development from two new graduates from Yale University, who decided to trace the roots of the food they had known and used for many years. The movie challenges one to think through the consequences of U.S agricultural policies, our own eating habits and the intersection between the two. Initial bills and policies were meant to keep family farmers on the land without flooding the market with cheap crops. This has been reversed by introduction of rewards for all-output production. For farmers to achieve such output, they need to use heavy machinery on vast lands and huge usage of fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides, which discourages small farmers interested in any farming. This could be reversed by re-introduction of initial bills that valued quality other than quantity. 3. Ian points out that in his great grandfatherââ¬â¢s day, 40-bushel-an-acre harvests were considered excellent. Today that same acre produces 180 bushels. The film suggests that this modern efficiency might be contributing to ââ¬Å"overproductionâ⬠of food. Do you agree? Is it possible to produce too much?à I agree that the modern
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
Gaunilo's argument from Anselm's point of view Essay
Gaunilo's argument from Anselm's point of view - Essay Example Gaunilo, a fellow monk and believer sought to oppose Anselmââ¬â¢s argument, saying it would force people to conclude existence of other non- existent things. His critic is usually described by philosophers as an overload idea, because he does not show how Anselmââ¬â¢s ideas are wrong but rather how it unsound in all applications, if it is unsound in one. Gaunilo argues that ââ¬Å"godâ⬠in the argument placed by Anselm can be replaced by anything, in his case, ââ¬Å"the perfect island. ââ¬Å"Suppose we replace God with an island, this is how it would flow. Imagine a perfect island of which none like it is conceivable, now this idea exists in your mind. The existence of a perfect island in both the mind and in reality is greater than if it only exists in the mind. If the concept of a perfect island exists in the mind then we can imagine an island better than the ââ¬Å"perfect islandâ⬠. But we cannot imagine an island greater than this; we can conclude that this perf ect island exists. In defense of his theory, Anselm would argue that the idea of what entails a perfect island varies from one person to another, for example, to me, a perfect island would be one with sandy beaches and human occupation, while to another that would be one that is deserted and with abundance of letââ¬â¢s say fruits. ... In the second way he argues that no object can create itself, therefore there must be a first cause (God), who began the chain of existence of all things. Aquinas reconciled faith and reason, by borrowing heavily from Aristotle. The second cause is explained using the following steps; 1) The natural world has things that are caused by other things. There is therefore an order of efficient causes in the sensible world. Every sensible event that takes place has a distinct cause. 2) In the natural world, nothing can be the cause of itself. There is hardly a case in which an event in the natural world was caused by itself. Events occur that were caused by events rate than themselves. 3) In the natural world there cannot be an endless string of objects causing other objects to exist. We can therefore say that causes are preceded by effects. 4) There exists a supernatural being that causes the first chain of events; therefore the cause of such events is called God. The supernatural force h as to be a person with immense power and with divine attributes such as being omnipresent. These inferences are drawn from nature and causation. This argument has some flaws for example the identity of the cause does not have to be God. It is flawed to assume that the cause of the events that take place in nature has to originate from one location for all of them. There is a possibility that there may be multiple causes, not related to each other. Moreover, the cause does not have to be supernatural, but could be other causes such as the universe. In conclusion, this theory begs the question as to why infinite causal chains are impossible, for example it can be assumed that there exists no beginning, middle or end time, therefore the
Sunday, November 17, 2019
International accounting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1
International accounting - Essay Example This allows the company to avoid currency conversion costs when acquiring specific raw materials and machineries from the international market. The company can also use the same to cater for foreign loan repayments instead of converting locally generated revenues. The company holds a large volume of inventories, which contains mainly finished products ready for the market. This exposes the company to adverse effects in the market whereby, a decrease in currency value consequently leads to a decline in the value of the stocks held. This includes the loss in value due to obsolescence and possible theft. In addition, the company could be forced to sell the products at a loss to create more space especially if the market is highly dynamic in their tastes and preferences. The company holds substantial amounts of trade and other receivables in its accounts. This exposes the company to the risk of suffering bad debts in cases where the debtors fail to honor their obligations. Although this represents future cash flows for the company, there is so much risk involved that it would advisable for a company to advance the same in the least possible value. The value also provides a pointer towards the possibility that buyers are making payments slowly, which reduces the amount of funds available to cater for expenses
Friday, November 15, 2019
Ethics Within The South African Police Service Criminology Essay
Ethics Within The South African Police Service Criminology Essay Through the course of the past year and this year especially, many police actions have made the headline news for wrong reasons. It is therefore reasonable to ask: Why this sudden increase? It is because the police think that they are above the law? Or it is because of their tempers reaching the boiling point due to the specific circumstances of an event, due to personal or organisational frustrations or it is because of inadequate and infrequent training? One can ask if the media is blowing this type of police actions out of proportion. One can ask if the organisations and the managers are paying an attention to the variety of issues that extend far beyond their normal business and which affect individuals, communities, the environment, countries and the entire world. DEFINITION OF ETHICS It entails the code of moral principles and values that directs the behaviour of an individual or a group in terms of what is right or wrong. A code of ethics sets standards about what is good or bad in behaviour and in decision making. SAPS CODE OF ETHICS The code of ethics of the SAPS underpins the way in which every member of this organisation should behave, irrespective of whether they are on duty or not. This code has a specific purpose of providing a standard of police behaviour that does not allow any leniency for poor service delivery or corrupt activities by the members of the organisation and must therefore be applied by all members in their daily tasks. The key principles of the code of ethics are: Integrity; Respect for diversity; Obedience to the law; Service excellence; and Public approval LEVELS OF ETHICAL DECISION MAKING The SAPS is facing a huge challenge within the individual and the organisational level that needs the leadership of the organisation to take into consideration. It is very difficult to change the attitude and the behaviour of an individual. The south African police service members are no longer trusted within the communities including the opposition parties (Democratic Alliance) raised a question for debate in the parliament for the implementation of the commission of enquiry against the behaviour and the brutality of the police, where the President responded by saying there is no need for the commission of enquiry to investigate the polices conduct as there are bodies that are given a mandate to investigate the police conduct( media statement: e-news, 21 March 2013). The Independent Police Inspectorate Directorate that functions independently of the department of Safety and Security has been given a mandate to investigate the Police conduct, and their functions are: Investigate police misconduct or any offence allegedly committed by the member of the SAPS, Investigating any deaths in police custody or as a result of police actions; and Investigating any matter referred to it by the Minister or MEC for Safety and Security. The DAs shadow minister of police Dianne Kohler Barnard, argues that the low conviction rate of the police reflects the police cover-up culture. The police unethical code of conduct is like a pain to the bodies of the citizens as of the republic since they have invested their lives to the police. During the Parliamentary reply on the costs of legal cases compensated for the period of three years, held on 12th March 2013, the Minister of the Police Mr Nathi Mthethwa, asked the National Commissioner of the Police Ms Riya Phiyega to look into issues of litigations such as: wrongful arrests and detention, corruption, negligent conduct and commission of serious offences by police officers. The above mentioned litigations are the main dilemma that affects the organisation and has brought a lot of mistrust of the police by the citizens. The South African Police Service has a challenge of the individual and the Organisational of ethical decision making that will be discussed on the next paragraphs. MANAGING ETHICS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT INDIVIDUAL LEVEL The human resource is the most crucial part of the organisation and difficult to manage because of their differences. Managers must learn more about the people and their behaviour in an organisation. People should be considered as people they spend a lot of time at work, some work to satisfy their needs that is the contributing factor to corruption. As the smallest sub-system in an organisation, individuals have the same characteristics as other systems. People are complex and interact continually with the environment, they strive for equilibrium and they may have a multiplicity of goals. To understand how people function is not an easy task, for no two individuals are the same. However, there are certain key variables that determine the behaviour of employees with which managers should be familiar with. These, includes, values and attitudes, personality, ability, motivation, perception, and learning. The organisation is one of the instruments employees can use their goals. However the organisation can block the attainments and the needs and goals of employees for them to become unmotivated and unproductive. There are so many issues that the organisation plays a role in contributing towards the behaviour and the frustration of an individual, looking at the impact of the promotions: the labour court granted the SAPS court order that interdicts and restrains the SAPS from promoting any member to the ranks of Lieutenant, Captain and Major due to the court interdict submitted by the labour movement Solidarity on the 27th February 2013 after the announcement of the post by the SAPS on the 18th March 2013, reference 8/1/1 volume 59. With the individual as a system in a changing environment, this is a total torture and the frustration to those who were promoted and to those who were not promoted and qualify for the promotions? (www.sapsjournal.gov.za/dynamic/journal/.dynamic.aspx?pageid= 414jid.44024. Date of access: 20 April 2013. The SAPS said it has the best interest of their members and will make sure that this matter is addressed. There are some different approaches that the SAPS is using in managing an individual even though is very difficult as the manager cannot sit in the office and monitor the subordinates how much time they spend on telephones and their movement when working outside. But the office open space system other companies uses, as one of the monitoring tool to prevent members doing their own agendas during the working hours as they share the office or the space with their members whereas in SAPS we still use the old system of individuals office but it depends on the services delivered per component. In case of the Crime Intelligence and the Detective unit it will be highly difficult to be implemented in terms of the confidentiality of their cases and the dockets. Management of resources The SAPS has implemented the fire-arm permit system for reporting on duty and off duty to prevent dishonesty and the financial constraints. What was happening previously is that the Relief Commanders and the Commanders of the other units were dishonest of their subordinates absenteeism; a member will be booked on duty on SAP 15 whereas s/he was absent. Some would report on duty and leave early without being noticed and will never come. With the fire-arm permit system, a members fingerprint is needed to verify his/her presence at work and the absence that will push the Human Resource official to verify the member absent. The problem is that it has not been long implemented already it is not working, some stations have tampered with the system, whereas our systems are not fully effective, this is the main reason why some reports of duty early without logging in the system and the following a day they start by booking Off duty with the reason, the system was offline, and this will not be questioned as we all know that our systems are poor. In most cases are offline. The leave policies that are just a written document that are not effective monitored, some members have an attitude of using their sick leave and vacation at the beginning of the leave plan circle. No has ever questioned the member from the provincial office, the matter is left in the hands of the responsible station commander who is afraid to take actions against the member and this leads to the undedicated other member to copy the behaviour that results in an increase of sick leave reported, even though it their rights but some are being misused. The performance enhancement process, serves a monitoring tool to the member. Its existence has been questioned many times if whether it serves its purpose within the organisation. The SAPS is trying its level best with no luck because of the managers and its poor system. In terms of reducing the telephone bills, the SAPS implemented the policy of paying the private telephone calls made by the member. No one will verify if the telephone calls made on the members bill are official or private unless the member is honest. Locking ones telephone account if the member fails to pay hampers the service delivery too. The AVL system, the vehicle monitoring tool, due to the poor system, it is also not properly managed and in some cases, it gives the wrong location of the vehicle during a certain period, but give the right speed the member was driving during the certain time and period and this are the only thing our managers are trained at, to monitor the member in order to let her/him down even though this is important too for the prevention of the accidents due to lack of negligent and reckless driving. ORGANISATIONAL LEVEL The ethics of managerial decision making is often complex and managers often disagree on what an ethical decision in a specific situation entails. Managers should consider two factors: (1) the approach that they can use to determine which alternative to choose in a decision-making situation; and (2) what organisations can do to ensure that managers follow ethical standards in their decision making (PJ Smith et al. (2007:415) Management of Principles). The management of ethics in the law enforcement is a very crucial issue lately whereby the organisation is making the headline news on daily basis. It came to the state where the leadership is being questioned about the state of the organisation and the conduct of its members. We can see how Commissioner Riya Phiyega, avoiding to confirm that the Marikana mine workers were killed by the police and why she failed to suspend the members as she did with the Mido Macia Case, Mozambican who was brutally killed by the police at Daveyton on the 26th February 2013. Her answer was that she cannot confirm that the mine workers were killed by the police as there is no enough evidence and it requires the findings from the commission of enquiry to what caused the killing of the 34 mine workers, the injury to the 78 mine workers and the extra 10 people that includes the two police officials and the security guards near the mine whereas Midos Case is different as there were enough evidence that lin ks the suspended members to the killing of the Mozambican man (www.bdlive.co.za/national/2013/4/17-phiyega-avoids-confirming-that-marikana-miners-were killed by police: Date accessed, 2013-04-20).This shows that the Commissioner is trying by all means to apply the three approaches to ethical decision making that is the utilitarian, the human rights and the justice approach. Her respond to the commission of enquiry will affect the members that are directly involved in the situation including the SAPS members as a whole. She is faced with a difficult task to defend the members even though she is being criticised for being a woman and leading an organisation that was men dominating previously. The SAPS was never lucky in having a good leadership that leads by example except the woman that has just sat on the hot seat left by the corrupt men, to transform it and it seems that she will not be given the chance to proof herself because so much has happened on her taking the position as the Commissioner that leads to her incredibility. LEADING BY EXAMPLE The first and most important requirement for fostering a culture of good ethics in an organisation is leading by example .Actions speak louder than words. Leading by example serves as an inspirational tool that enhances education to the subordinates. The SAPS was never lucky with the good leadership that leads by an example. The leadership of Jackie Selebi opened up so many unethical conducts within the SAPS as he was arrested for corruption. That was a good example for the prevention of further offending to the subordinates. His successor, Mr Beki Cele was also dismissed from the organisation for unlawful conduct and maladministration with R500 million rand lease agreement for new police headquarters in Pretoria on 24th October 2011. Police managers need to be aware of their visible and critical role within the SAPS. Power is needed to bring about the ethical changes in an organisation and even within the community -policing framework. A common thread in most widespread corruption, cases is an absence of an overview from the top management. In some cases of corruption, the managers do not want to admit to the malpractice under their command, and in some other instances they merely turn a blind eye and in some cases they are involved. Lieutenant General Mdlulis and Colonel HJ Barnards case withdrawn for charges of fraud relating to the alleged misuse of Crime Intelligence funds, whom their case had a lot of interference from within the SAPS and the National prosecuting authority. Their cases let to the suspension of the Senior Prosecutor of the National Prosecuting Authority, Glynnis Breytenbach, who strongly believes that there is still a strong case against this two SAPS senior officers and her suspension in Apr il 2012 has got nothing to do with the handling of the criminal investigation relating to a mineral rights dispute between the mining companies Imperial Crown Trading (ICT) and Kumba Iron Ore over Kumbas Sishen mine, she suggests that it is politically influenced. On the other hand within the SAPS, Colonel Roelofse who was in charge of the case, was informed by the Senior officer, Major General Sibiya, that he had been taken to task by certain Generals within the SAPS, by allowing the investigation to continue beyond the scope of the murder investigation that Lieutenant Mdluli was also charged with. The SAPS senior officers were pulling each others throats with the Lt Gen Mdlulis (anti-corruption task team report dated 2012-03-02), and this gave a support to the Democratic Alliances shadow minister of police Dianne Kohler Barnard statement when he said the low conviction reflects the polices cover- up culture, responding to the statistics on police brutality from the Independent Pol ice Investigative Directorate (IPID) make for grim reading. In 2011/2012 financial year, 720 deaths, allegedly at the hands of the police officers, were investigated. IPID recommended 162 prosecutions and called for disciplinary action against 168 police. But only 05 police officers were dismissed and 13 were convicted of crimes during that period. The highest number of alleged deaths at the hands of the police was investigated in 2008/2009 financial year, when 912 came in for IPID scrutiny. In that year just three officers were dismissed and one was suspended for six months. DEVELOPING A CORPORATE CODE OF ETHICS Another way of managing ethics in an organisation is by means of a code of conduct. The South African Police Service Code Of conduct agreement 11/96 was adopted and signed by the SAPS, the unions, SAPU (South African Police Union), POPCRU (Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union) and the Public Servants Association of South Africa in 1996.Ethical policing demands that the employees of the SAPS to act with integrity and respect for peoples diversity and the law thereby enhancing service excellence to the approval of the public. The South African police Service have instituted the policies, regulations, and the standing orders to maintain the standard of its discipline. Some of the order- maintaining bodies of legislation are: The Code of conduct ; Code of ethics; The Standing orders; National Instructions Regulations; Anti-corruption plan; Whistle blowing plan; Internal disciplinary procedures; and The IPID (Independent Police Investigative Directorate). The organisation has done so much to the translation of the values and beliefs into ethical standards or behaviour, not a single police station does not have the printed code of conduct charts but it seems as if its meaning is meaningless since the number of police corruption and brutality increases, members received the pocket code of conduct that may fit in the pocket for references and this was supposed to be checked by the managers during their inspections in the beginning of every shift but to whom do someone expect the work to be done by an unqualified manager. Warrant officer at Knysna, his wife was brutally assaulted by the SAPS female member who works at the same police station with him, the case was withdrawn and the wife was forced to withdraw the charges against the member for the prevention of misconduct against the member that could jeopardise her career. Charges were withdrawn and the constable was promoted to a senior rank (City Press 11.15.April 2012). That gives an additional to malfunctioning of the SAPS management. The problem lies within the individual as the human resources sub-system, the recruitment, the promotions criteria and the SAPS leadership. Managers should take a long view of enhancing ethical behaviour. MANAGING WHISTLE BLOWING The SAPS is in partnership with the insight company, Panda where the citizens can send sms to 33221 of any criminal activities within their area. The line is confidential and no one will make up follow up to call the person for more information. It is reported that successful arrests has been made since the launching of the system. The anti- corruption plan that is implemented and each and every police station have to conduct sessions to educate the members and the community. RECOMMENDATIONS The recruitment policy, strategies and the criteria must be reviewed as the Minister had said on the media release city press, dated 2013-03-26. The Human Resource Development plan must include education and training on ethics. The performance enhancement process has to be reviewed for the improvement of work ethics. The senior promotions policy, strategies and criteria must be reviewed. The National Commissioners post must not be politicised. CONCLUSION The mangers need to be aware of their visible and critical role within the SAPS. It is essential for the managers to understand their peers and subordinates. A manager is a psychologist, sociologist and political scientist (PJ Smith et al. 2007: 295, Management Principles).
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Apathy and Addiction in William Gibsons Neuromancer Essay -- Neuroman
Apathy and Addiction in Neuromancer à à In the postmodern world of William Gibson's Neuromancer, nature is dead, and the world is run by the logic of the corporate machine. Confronted by a reality that is stark, barren, and metallic, and the hopelessness that this reality engenders, the postmodern protagonist, like Case, often immerses himself or herself in an alternate form of reality that is offered in the form of addiction (to virtual reality or drugs, for example), addictions that are made possible by the same society that makes an escape desirable. Such addictions are logical products of the post-modern capitalist society because they perpetuate the steadfast power of the corporation by allowing would-be dissidents an escape from reality, thereby preventing successful rebellion and maintaining the pervasive societal apathy necessary to allow the corporation to dominate undeterred. Case, as the addictive anti-hero, is a product of this stifling cycle of apathy. Lacking the motivation or drive to insti gate any true change in his reality, he avoids the unpleasant realities of his world by entering into the altered reality of addiction. à In the reality of the postmodern world, where nature is gone and has been replaced by technology, where the world and humankind have become fused with the machine, and the existence of morality and reality are uncertain, it is difficult to find hope for a better existence or motivation to attempt to change one's existence. Addiction then becomes a logical avenue of escape from these bleak circumstances--not affecting reality, but transforming it into something bearable. The addictions that Case turns to allow him to escape from the hard reality of his life th... ...e Fiction, and Some Comics. Hanover, NH: Wesleyan UP, 1994. à Gibson, William. Neuromancer. New York: Ace-Berkeley, 1984. ---. Interview with Larry McCaffrey. Storming the Reality Studio. Larry McCaffrey, ed. Durham, NC: Duke UP, 1992. 263-285. à Grant, Glenn. "Transcendence Through Detournement in William Gibson's Neuromancer." Science Fiction Studies. 17 (1990). 41-49. à Hollinger, Veronica. "Cybernetic Deconstruction." Storming the Reality Studio. Larry McCaffrey, ed. Durham, NC: Duke UP, 1992. à Jameson, Frederick. "Postmodernism, or The Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism" New Left Review. 146 (July-August 1984) Rpt in Storming the Reality Studio. Larry McCaffrey, ed. Durham, NC: Duke UP, 1992. à Slusser, George. "Literary MTV." Storming the Reality Studio. Larry McCaffrey, ed. à à à à à Durham, NC: Duke UP, 1992. Ã
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